With bus tracks,
you can combine the outputs of several audio tracks or sends and
control them collectively. For example, to control the volume of
multiple drum tracks with a single fader, output all the tracks
to one bus. Or, to optimize system performance, apply a single reverb
effect to a bus track, and then output sends from multiple tracks
to that bus. (Individually applying the same reverb to multiple
tracks would inefficiently use CPU resources.)

Although bus
tracks lack a hardware input, they have all the other features of audio
tracks. You can apply effects and equalization and automate your
changes over time. For most mixes, you’ll output buses to hardware
ports or the Master track. If you need to combine buses, however,
you can even output them to other buses.

Sends let you route
audio from a track to multiple buses, creating tremendous signal‑routing
flexibility. Each track provides up to 16 sends, which you configure independently
from the track output. For example, you can output an unprocessed
track directly to a hardware port, but output Send 1 to a reverb
bus and Send 2 to a headphone bus. (A headphone bus lets performers
hear a unique mix during recording. Drummers, for example, may prefer
a louder bass track.)

A session
always contains one Master track, so you can easily combine the outputs
of multiple tracks and buses and control them with a single fader. Because
the Master track exists at the very end of the signal path, it offers
fewer routing options than audio and bus tracks. The Master track
can’t directly connect to audio inputs, or output to sends or buses;
it can only output directly to hardware ports.

The Master track always exists at the end of the signal path.

A. Editor panel B. Mixer

Set up a send

When you set up a send,
you determine the volume and stereo pan it outputs to an assigned
bus. You also place the send either pre‑ or post‑fader. Pre‑fader
sends aren’t affected by track volume; post‑fader sends are. (For
example, if you output a pre‑fader send to a reverb bus, the reverb
continues after you fade out dry audio. If you instead output a
post‑fader send, the reverb fades out in unison with dry audio.)

Pre‑ and post‑fader effect and send routing for each track

A. Input B. EQ C. Track
volume D. Track mute E. Send F. Effects
Rack

In the Sends area of
the Mixer, click the send Power button .

Click the Pre‑Fader/Post‑Fader button to place the send
either before track volume or
after .